Teams from 16 countries will be taking part in the 2013 European Junior Championships which are being held at the National Pool, Tal-Qroqq between tomorrow and September 15.

Addressing a media call yesterday, ASA president Joe Caruana Curran spoke about the organisation of the event, the challenges facing our U-17 team and the plans his association have to make further inroads in the game at all levels.

“These championships are the first outcome of what we have been preparing for the future. We hope that there comes a time when Malta will qualify outright for the finals in this category and not just as a hosting country,” Caruana Curran said.

“We have a long-term plan to build more competitive teams, including the U-19s and the seniors. This will be on more specialised lines and it will include doctors and physios, besides qualified coaches.”

Referring to these champion-ships he said the organisation demanded great efficiency and a focus on all details. Vice-president, Alan Bonello, secretary, Marco Manara, and Rita Azzopardi were central to the organisation of the event, Caruana Curran said.

U-17 coach Anthony Farrugia gave details of his squad, saying that unfortunately, one of the most prominent players, Catania-based Matteo Cacici, incurred an injury this week and will be unable to play.

“It will be a useful experience in the learning curve of our youth team and I am sure the players will give their best,” he contended.

National coach Karl Izzo echoed these remarks, stressing that the event will be a very valid platform for the future development of the lads’ game once they have exposure to such high-profile competition.

The eight-day tournament comprises 48 matches, eight on each of the first three days with morning and afternoon programmes, then to six matches each day on Wednesday and Thursday and ending with four afternoon matches on each of the last three days.

Entrance for these matches will be free to encourage the public to attend and give support to the Maltese team.